Cooling duties constitute a large part of the total energy consumption for data centres. In most cases, both the demand and supply of energy required for cooling fluctuates considerably. Cooling systems have to be dimensioned accordingly. By including a energy buffer (energy storage) in the cooling systems, peaks in demand can be smoothed and a steady supply of energy is ensured during periods of low availability in the markets. As most data centres are air-cooled, this requires solutions for energy storage capable of handling large gas-flows.
Until now, no effective solution for high capacity energy storage for large gas flows have been proposed. The concept developed by SINTEF addresses this gap in technology.
With Halvard Thon, PHD Candidate at SINTEF Multiphase Flow Laboratory.
